Hill, Hansell, Friedman top 2001 Bowling Magazine Writing Competition

One three-time and two first-time winners in Bowling Magazine's 50th annual Writing Competition were announced March 13 at the American Bowling Congress Press Party in Billings, Mont.

Darrin Hill wrote the top News story for the Detroit News, detailing Pete Weber's flamboyant victory over Parker Bohn III for the PBA Great Lakes Classic title. Fellow Detroiter Sandy Hansell penned the top Editorial about the misconception that the people stop bowling during the summer months, appearing in the International Bowling Industry. Steve Friedman wrote the best Feature article for his Las Vegas Life story, “A Romp Through the Vegas Bowling Scene.” That followed Feature wins in 1998 in GQ and in 1999 in Esquire.

All three winners will receive $300 first prize checks. There are 10 cash prizes in the Feature division, which annually is the most heavily entered, while seven cash prizes are paid in the News and Editorial divisions. There also are five non-cashing honorable mention awards in each category.

Debra Galant was runner-up in Features for her story of changing times at Paramus Bowling, which appeared in the New York Times. Chicago’s Lydia Rypcinski wrote a Bowling Digest feature on Weber’s desire to win, earning third prize.

Multi-winner and ABC Hall of Famer Chuck Pezzano of Clifton, N.J., won his 46th writing award by finishing second in Editorial with his syndicated column citing the fact that bowling is great for young people because everybody gets to play. Third place in Editorial went to 41-time winner Mort Luby Jr. for his Bowlers Journal International commentary that bowling’s numbers may be for the birds.

News division runner-up was Bill Snier of the Canton (Ohio) Repository for his report on Ohio High School Athletic Association’s rules which hinder high school bowling. Third place went to Larry Woody for his story about Chris Barnes capturing the Greater Nashville Open, which appeared in The Tennessean in Nashville.

NEWS DIVISION - 1, Darrin Hill, Detroit News (Weber defeats Bohn in Grand Rapids). 2, Bill Snier, Canton (Ohio) Repository (OHSAA rule hurts high school bowling). 3, Larry Woody, The Tennessean, Nashville (Barnes captures Nashville Open). 4, Keith Schildroth, St. Louis Post Dispatch (Liz Johnson wins). 5, Jerome Richard, Burlington (N.C.) Times-News (Ward wins Tar Heel Open). 6, Dick Evans, Miami Herald (Liz Johnson perfect to win). 7, Dale Bowman, Chicago Sun-Times (Beat the Champs winner). Honorable Mention - Bill Ryan, Bowling Green (Ohio) Sentinel Tribune (Shootout at Southwyck); Jerome Richard, Burlington Times-News (Bohn rolls to front of PBA pack); Bill Snier, Canton Repository (Williams wins big at PBA National); Patricia Clayton, Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune (Roth wins); Dale Bowman, Chicago Sun-Times (Champs no kid stuff).

EDITORIAL DIVISION - 1, Sandy Hansell, International Bowling Industry (Long, slow summer). 2, Chuck Pezzano, TenPin Alley (Juniors all get to play). 3, Mort Luby Jr., Bowlers Journal International (Are bowling’s number for the birds?). 4, Tommy DeLutz, Bowlers Journal International (Stereotypes are wrong). 5, Bob Johnson, Bowlers Journal International (Legacy for Earl). 6, Tom Clark, USA Today (Bowling’s three hurdles to gain respect). 7, Fred Groh, International Bowling Industry (Whose Image? Whose Problem?) Honorable Mention - Dick Evans, Miami Herald (U.S. Open dilemma); Mike McGrath, Bowlers Journal International (PBA wants best bowlers to win); V.A. Wapensky, Dallas Bowling News (Tradition a barrier to success?); Don Gates, Bowlers Journal International (ABC Hall of Fame process needs change); Bob Nieman, Bowling Center Management (Support your friends).

FEATURE DIVISION - 1, Steve Friedman, Las Vegas Life (A romp through the Vegas bowling scene). 2, Debra Galant, New York Times (Times have changed at Paramus Bowling). 3, Lydia Rypcinski, Bowling Digest (Pete Weber: I want to beat them all). 4, John Archibald, Bowling Digest (Earl Anthony: Snapshots of a legend). 5, J.R. Schmidt, Bowlers Journal International (Joe Kristof: Style and substance). 6, M.F. Piraino, Syracuse (N.Y.) Herald-Journal (Mark Roth never listened to doubters). 7, Gary D’Amato, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (Teen switches gears due to cancer). 8, Jim Dressel, Bowlers Journal International (Earl Anthony: The passing of a legend). 9, Tom Clark, USA Today (Executives pin hopes on new, improved PBA). 10, Dennis Bergendorf, Bowlers Journal International (What drives Carolyn Dorin-Ballard). Honorable Mention - Mark Garvey, Cincinnati Magazine (Les Horstman stories); Phil Gulick, St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times (Florida seniors let good times roll); Tom Clark, USA Today (Whole different game on pro tour); Fred Groh, International Bowling Industry (The sporting life); Gary D’Amato, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (18 300 games in one season).

ABC’s National Leadership Conference provides association volunteers with tools to improve

The American Bowling Congress will host the National Association Leadership Conference 2002 at the Four Points Hotel near Milwaukee’s Billy Mitchell Field May 31-June 2 to provide organizations with new tools and information to help them do their jobs better. The premier event is open to all those who want to learn more and share ideas with their peers.

The weekend will begin with a Bowling Headquarters “Mini Expo and Research Center Tour,” giving participants an inside look at the national organization’s facilities. Friday evening’s “Welcome Reception” will provide attendees an opportunity to network and hear from an ABC executive. In addition to a variety of seminars on Saturday, lunch will be provided and a guest speaker will address the group. An optional Saturday visit to Miller Park - the state-of-the-art home of the Milwaukee Brewers - is planned. Dinner and a tour of one of professional baseball’s finest facilities will cost $35 (transportation included).

The conference will close on Sunday with an “Idea Share” with representatives from Bowling Headquarters. Another optional event added on Sunday will be a singles bowling tournament with a $20 per person entry fee.

Pre- and post-conference seminars will include a Friday, May 31, WinLABS Workshop and a Monday, June 3, WinTournaments Workshop. Each seminar has limited capacity offered on a first-come basis. Enrollment fee is $50 for each.

The regular registration fee is $165, but discounts are available for those who sign up early. For new association secretaries, there is an Early Bird New Secretary “Welcome Registration” fee of $100 if paid by May 10 ($125 after May 10). Groups of three attendees who register together by May 10 can enroll for $330, the price of two registrations.

The single Early Bird Registration fee is $140. Final registration deadline is May 24. Registration includes all seminars, breakfast on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, complimentary shuttle service to and from Bowling Headquarters, the Friday night Welcome Reception and the Saturday lunch.

Visit bowl.com for a registration form or call the Events Area at (800) 514-BOWL, Ext. 3349 to enroll.

Computerized lane inspector program coming in August

The next generation of lane inspector programs is coming to a computer near you in August. ABC and WIBC are developing a new training program for lane certification and inspection. It’s called the Computerized Lane Inspector Program -- CLIP for short. It’s a Web-based training program with a CD-ROM option that will be launched Aug. 1.

CLIP will capitalize on technology while upgrading the old Certified Lane Inspectors Workshops. It will provide individuals with proof they are trained in certification and lane dressing inspection. It will give current inspectors who did not complete the old training a way to obtain a card/certificate. And it will be done in a way that attracts new and younger individuals and train them to inspect. That will create a larger pool of inspectors. Here’s how it will work:

Those with Internet access will log onto laneinspector.com. Access also will be available through bowl.com. After initially giving some registration information, they’ll be able to begin the program. It will take just one click to tap into the program after this. This method will be clean, provide basic knowledge, be easy to use and have fast download time.

Those without Internet access can receive a CD-ROM version. Orders will be placed through the Customer Service Center at Bowling Headquarters.

In either case, those who participate in CLIP will complete the program by answering a series of 25 randomly selected questions. Once the test is passed, the inspector will be notified by e-mail and mailed a special certificate or card. The cost to take the test and process the exam will be $10. Each CD-ROM will cost an additional $10.

CLIP’s content will be the same as the original Certified Lane Inspectors Workshop program since inspection procedures for certification and lane dressing have not changed. Photographs will be updated to reflect the latest inspection equipment and video and audio will be added in the future.

The laneinspector.com Web site will feature frequently updated special information and a place to network with other inspectors. It will be a great way to provide instant access to lane inspection information.

Learning how to do inspections never will be easier. For more information, contact Judy Rauth at (800) 514-BOWL, Ext. 3386 or Al Vandenack at Ext. 3351.

Donations beginning to be received for Earl Anthony Scholarship Fund

The Earl Anthony Memorial Scholarship Fund already is off and running. Donations have been streaming into the Young American Bowling Alliance from bowlers, leagues, associations and independent businesses across the United States since the scholarship was started last fall.

A $1,000 donation from Pro Sports Systems Inc. in Vancouver, Wash., provided a jump start for the scholarship drive in November. Other leading contributors have been the Clark County Bowling Association in Vancouver, Wash., $500; Cedar Lanes in St. Ansgar, Iowa, $200; and Thomas Ogden of Glendale, Ariz., $200. Numerous other donations ranging from $100 to $10 have been received as well.

The goal is to create a minimum $1 million self-funding scholarship that will provide financial support for college-bound youth. The endowment fund is a cooperative venture among bowling’s various entities and is administered by YABA.

Contributors of at least $25 receive a lapel pin with Earl Anthony’s signature on it. Those who donate $100 or more have a leaf placed on the Anthony Scholarship tree showcased at Bowling Headquarters in Greendale, Wis.

For more information or to donate, contact Chad Sorce at (800) 514-BOWL, Ext. 3242.

Coaching program, TEAM USA to benefit from new logo

USA Bowling and three of its sponsors, Storm Bowling Products, Hammar’s Uniforms and Lane DynamX, have recently announced a new program which will benefit the USA Bowling Coaching Certification Program and TEAM USA.

Through a licensing agreement made available by the United States Olympic Committee, all three companies will be able to offer Olympic branded products with proceeds benefiting both organizations.

Hammar’s Uniforms now has a line of clothing branded with the new logo. For more information or to purchase the Olympic clothing, visit Hammar’s Web site at hammarsusa.com or call Bob Woody at (800) 297-4466 for assistance.

Storm Products Inc. will feature the logo on a specially produced bowling ball. The limited edition, high performance collector’s item has a reactive resin coverstock with medium to low radius of gyration.

Lane DynamX, another of USA Bowling's sponsors, will offer a limited edition of the Twister bowling pin featuring the logo. “It is a great opportunity to support amateur bowling in the United States,” said USA Bowling Communications Consultant Joan Romeo.

For more information on the Storm bowling ball and the Lane DynamX Twister pin, contact the companies directly or e-mail Joan Romeo at romeotmt@pacbell.net.

USA Bowling chooses Dartfish as official video software supplier

USA Bowling announced that it has selected Dartfish to be its “Official Supplier of Video Enhancement Software.” Dartfish technologies are widely recognized in the sports world for providing performance-enhancing sport training applications, which include the following:

Analysis: A complete set of video analysis tools includes SimulCam and StroMotion. What was once invisible now will be visible.

Communication: The ability to deliver instant and automatic visual feedback during training sessions means a shared perspective and improved communication between coaches and students.

“We are all looking forward to working with a company that can provide such a powerful educational tool and be able to make it available to coaches and athletes alike,” USA Bowling CEO and Executive Director Jerry Koenig said.

For more information, contact USA Bowling at (719) 636-2695.

WIBC associations recognized with STAR awards

A total of 49 Women’s International Bowling Congress associations have been recognized for excellent service and commitment during the 2001-02 season with the WIBC STAR award.

Eight associations received STAR Four status, the premier stage of WIBC association recognition in the program. STAR Four requirements include marketing to non-bowlers, a strong financial plan, image building and future focus. Seven associations earned STAR Three status, 14 were honored with STAR Two and 20 for STAR One.

For more information about the WIBC STAR program, e-mail assnrel@bowlinginc.com or call (800) 514-BOWL, Ext. 3259.

Four-STAR Associations -- Beaver Dam, Wis.; Hutchinson, Kan.; Joliet, Ill.; Lee County, Fla.; Phoenix; South Central Wisconsin; Suffolk County, N.Y.; Upper Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Three-STAR Associations -- Durango, Colo.; Junction City-Fort Riley, Kan.; North Dakota; Orange County, Calif.; Valley, Wash.; Wenatchee, Wash.; Winner, S.D.

Two-STAR Associations -- Covington, Ind.; Holland, Mich.; Lafayette, La.; Lebanon, Tenn.; Longview, Texas; Nemo, Mo.; Pennsylvania; Rockford, Ill.; Sierra County, N.M.; Springfield, Ohio; Stockton, Calif.; Westport, Conn.; Van Wert, Ohio; Wagner, S.D.

One-STAR Associations -- Beardstown, Ill.; Bowling Green, Ky.; Canandaigua, N.Y.; Cheyenne, Wyo.; Danville, Ky.; Dixie, Utah; Durham-Orange Counties, N.C.; Gastonia, N.C.; Harper County, Kan.; Iron Mountain, Wis.; Maryland; Orrville, Ohio; Oconee County, S.C.; Paradise, Calif.; Peninsula, Calif.; Richlands, Va.; Thermopolis, Wyo.; Waverly, Iowa; York County, Pa.; Western Wisconsin.

Star bowlers still available to speak at special events

Bowling stars such as Mike Aulby, Parker Bohn III and Jeremy Sonnenfeld still are available to speak at local events.

While the American Bowling Congress placed its Ambassador program on hold, it still is helping associations and proprietors match a special event such as a banquet or opening with bowling stars.

The Speakers Bureau may be used to contact and discuss arrangements for a bowling function. ABC no longer can help with the expenses for these speakers, so event organizers must contact the speaker directly and make arrangements regarding fees and expenses.

The Speakers Bureau includes Glenn Allison, Aulby, Bohn, Dave Davis, John Handegard, Bob Hart, Steve Hoskins, Bob Learn Jr., Marc McDowell, Curtis Odom, Mike Shady, Sonnenfeld and Dave Soutar. Contact ABC Public Relations at (800) 514-BOWL, Ext. 3227 to get the process rolling.

Glus, Deitch, Vadakin capture top BWAA awards for 2001

Long-time bowling radio talk show host Dan Glus, Women’s International Bowling Congress President Joyce Deitch and Wichita State University coach Gordon Vadakin are recipients of the three major Bowling Writers Association of America awards for 2001.

Glus, host of "Talks and Tips With Big D" radio show in Pittsburgh, captured the Mort Luby Jr. Distinguished Service Award. It is presented for meritorious service to bowling journalism. In addition to his radio show, Glus writes a local bowling column and currently is BWAA’s assistant executive director.

Deitch, who is retiring July 31 as WIBC president, collected the John O. Martino Award. The honor is presented to an individual, organization or firm for outstanding contributions to bowling. Deitch has been a leader at every level of the sport. A member of the WIBC Board of Directors since 1973, she is heavily involved with the International Bowling Hall of Fame and Museum and USA Bowling. She also has served with the Federation Internationale des Quilleurs and World Tenpin Bowling Federation.

Gordon Vadakin was selected for the Rip Van Winkle Award. It is presented for achievements and contributions to bowling 20 or more years ago. Vadakin was named Wichita State’s coach in 1976. His teams have won 10 collegiate championships and a number of his bowlers have graduated to become amateur and professional standouts.

Wichita State men, Nebraska women stand atop latest bowling coaches poll

The Wichita State University men and University of Nebraska women earned the top spots in the third National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association poll of the 2001-02 season.

Wichita State earned its rating thanks to victories in four of the past five tier 1 events. The Shockers won the Las Vegas Invitational, Blue & Gold, Brunswick Coca-Cola and Hoosier Classic titles. They finished third at Sam’s Town.

Those victories helped Wichita State to 15 first-place votes and 682 total points. Western Illinois University, winner of the tier 1 Team Match Games and Brunswick Great Lakes Collegiate Classic and tier II Brickyard Classic, was second with two top votes and 570 points.

Saginaw Valley State University, which won the tier 1 South Jersey Classic and tier II Sycamore Classic, Kent State Invitational, Bearcat Hoinke Classic and Eagle Classic, was third with the final first-place vote and 558 total points.

Nebraska’s domination in the women’s division reflected in securing all 19 first-place votes and 760 points. The Cornhuskers have wins at the tier 1 Team Match Games, Brunswick Coca-Cola and Hoosier Classic events and the tier II Midstates, TV EBA and Brunswick tournaments.

Runner-up Morehead State University, winner of the tier 1 Brunswick, Southern, Colgate Invitational, South Jersey Classic and Association of College Unions International Region 5 tournaments, had 590 points. Wichita State, which won the tier 1 Las Vegas Invitational and Sam’s Town Shootout, was third with 566 points.

For complete results, visit the college bowling section of bowl.com.